Photographic processing agent cartridge and container usable therein

ABSTRACT

A cartridge for photographic processing agents, which is formed of containers for photographic processing agents and a storage box for housing the containers in any selected dispositions in the box, in which at least one of the containers is provided with at least one recess on an outer side thereof, and at least one opening is formed on the storage box corresponding to the recess of the container housed in the storage box, and in which the cartridge having the recess in the container and the opening corresponding to recess in the storage box prevents the cartridge from being erroneously loaded to an automatic photo-processor; and a container for a photographic processing agent usable in the cartridge.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cartridge for photographic processingagents. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cartridgefor photographic processing agents formed of a set of plural containers,each of which is filled with a different kind of the photographicprocessing agent, such as a developing solution, a bleaching solution,and a fixing solution, so that the cartridge can supply the photographicprocessing agents at one time to an automatic photo-processor. Further,the present invention relates to a container for photographic processingagents, which container is usable in the above cartridge forphotographic processing agents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the automatic photo-processors having such functions as a filmprocessor for subjecting films to development and a printer processorfor outputting film images as a print, different kinds of pluralphotographic processing agents or processing chemicals are used duringthe processing steps such as developing, bleaching, and fixing. Ingeneral, the photographic processing agents are contained in specificcontainers, and distributed to a processing station lab. The containersfor photographic processing agents are installed in the automaticphoto-processor by an operator to supply or refill (replenish)photographic processing agents to said processor. Recently, in order tosupply the photographic processing agents by the operator simply andcleanly to the automatic photo-processor, the cartridge system which iscapable of exchanging a set of plural containers (each containing adifferent kind of the photographic processing agent) for another set ofcontainers, has become the most popular and used frequently.

For example, in a conventional cartridge 200 for photographic processingagents shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, containers 202 for photographicprocessing agents (202A, 202B and 202C) are filled with processingsolutions such as a developing solution, a bleaching solution, and afixing solution, respectively, and the three containers 202 making a setare held in a rectangular storage box (corrugated cardboard box) 204.Each container 202 is made of plastic and is formed in a tetragonalbottle shape as shown in FIGS. 28 to 30. The container is provided witha cap 206 and a packing 208 to close a mouth to prevent the photographicprocessing agents from leaking out of the container.

The cartridge 200 for the photographic processing agents is installed ina cartridge loading chamber of the automatic photo-processor manually byan operator, turning mouths (the cap 206 and the packing 208) of thecontainers 202 downwards. When the loading is completed, a penetratingmember, which is a washing nozzle mounted on the automaticphoto-processor corresponding to each container 202, pushes the packing208 to tear so that the photographic processing agents can drain awayfrom the containers and are supplied to the automatic photo-processor.Then, the inside of the container 202 for photographic processing agentsis washed with a cleaning solution sprayed upwards out of the washingnozzle, and each photographic processing agent is diluted to a desiredconcentration by mixing together with the cleaning solution. In thiscartridge system, three kinds of the photographic processing agents,such as a developing solution, a bleaching solution, and a fixingsolution, can be simply and cleanly supplied to the automaticphoto-processor at one time, with the operator not touching thecontainers and the photographic processing agents.

And, there is also another cartridge intended for a set of two kinds ofphotographic processing agents, which can be smaller in size and holdstwo containers smaller than the container 202. While, there is proposeda new cartridge system made of plural cartridges, which are same insize, each of which contains three kinds of the photographic processingagents different in compositions adaptable to the automaticphoto-processor to be used. In order not to lead the cartridge for thephotographic processing agents from being erroneously loaded to theautomatic photo-processor of a different model, cutouts, for example,two cutouts 212 disposed asymmetrically in FIG. 26, are formed on theupper part of a front face 210 of the box 204. The number andarrangement of cutouts on the cartridge are variable depending uponautomatic photo-processor to be used. The automatic photo-processor isprovided with protrusions for engaging with the cutouts so that anoperator can determine whether or not the cartridge for photographicprocessing agents is properly installed in the automatic photo-processorjudging from the engagement of the protrusions to the correspondingcutouts (see, for example, JP-A-11-282148 (“JP-A” means unexaminedpublished Japanese patent application), pages 5 to 7 and 9, and FIGS. 1and 5).

In the cartridge 200 for photographic processing agents, the cutouts212, openings or the like engaging with the protrusions of the automaticphoto-processor are limited to form on the upper end of the storage box204 of which inside is empty. Accordingly, toward the prevention oferroneous loading, not so many patterns can be formed on the cartridge,that is made use of by the member of cutouts 212, openings or the likeand differences in the location of the cutouts 212, opening or the like.Since there were not so many kinds of the cartridges for photographicprocessing agents before, the conventional cartridge explained above didnot create problems. However, it is expected that the kind of cartridgesfor photographic processing agents will be increased as the kind of theautomatic photo-processor increases. Accordingly, a new cartridgecapable of providing a larger number of simple patterns toward theprevention of erroneous loading has been demanded.

According to one of the new cartridge under manufacturing as anexperiment at present, for example, a guide portion for engaging withthe protrusions of the automatic photo-processor is formed of recessesdisposed on an outer side face of the containers for photographicprocessing agents and openings arranged on a cartridge of the containerscorresponding to the recesses of the containers. The number and thearrangement of the guide portion for engaging can alter such that thenumber and arrangement of the openings on the cartridge are variabledepending upon an orientation of housing the containers in the cartridgeto have the recesses of the container directed to a predeterminedarrangement in the cartridge. However, this cartridge is notsatisfactory in that a washing liquid is interrupted by the recessesprotruded into an inside of the container depending upon such conditionsas the location and depth (size) of the recesses disposed on thecontainer when the container is washed, and the washing liquid is notdistributed in every nook and corner of the inside of the container. Asa result, the cleaning capacity of the container is decreased, which isanother problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention resides in a cartridge for photographic processingagents capable of forming a variety of patterns easily on the cartridgeto prevent the cartridge from being erroneously loaded to an automaticprocessor.

At the same time, the present invention resides in a container for aphotographic processing agent satisfactorily capable of washing theinside of the container not interrupted by a recess disposed on thecontainer to prevent the container from being erroneously loaded to theautomatic processor.

According to the present invention, a cartridge for photographicprocessing agents comprises: plural containers, each of which is filledwith a different kind of photographic processing agent; and a holdingmember for making a set of the plural containers. The cartridge forphotographic processing agents is loaded into a cartridge loadingchamber mounted in an automatic photo-processor, to supply the differentkind of photographic processing agents to the automatic photo-processor.At least one of the plural containers has at least one recess formed onan outer surface of the container by being partially deformed to form aconcave portion on said surface. The at least one recess is engageablewith at least one guide protrusion arranged in the cartridge loadingchamber.

In the cartridge of the present invention, the recess is formed on atleast one of plural containers, each of which is filled with thedifferent kind of photographic processing agent, by partially deformingthe outer surface of the container. The plural containers are aggregatedtogether by the holding member to make a set so that the cartridge forphotographic processing agents is prepared. When the cartridge isinstalled in the automatic photo-processor, it is confirmed whether ornot the recess formed to at least one of plural containers can beengaged with the guide protrusion arranged in the cartridge loadingchamber in the automatic photo-processor. Thus, an erroneous loading ofthe cartridge for photographic processing agents can be prevented.

The number of recesses in the cartridge is variable depending upon thenumber of containers having the recess(es) or the number of the recessesdisposed in the container(s). In other words, the number of recesses inthe cartridge is variable, if the plural containers, each of which has adifferent number of recesses, are used. In order to change the locationsof the recesses in the cartridge, the containers are disposed in adifferent manner when a container set is prepared with the holdingmember. Alternately, the location of the recess on the outer surface ofthe container may be changed. In other words, the location of therecesses in the cartridge is variable, if the plural containers, each ofwhich has the recess at a different position of the outer surface of thecontainer, are used. By combining the recesses variable in number andarrangement, a large number of erroneous loading prevention patterns canbe prepared. In addition, the erroneous loading prevention pattern madeof the combination in the number and arrangement of recesses can beprepared by using the containers and the holding members applied to theconventional cartridge, without using additional members. According tothe present invention, it is possible to provide easily a larger numberof patterns toward prevention of erroneous loading with the cartridgefor photographic processing agents.

In the cartridge for photographic processing agents according to thepresent invention, the holding member can be a box in which the pluralcontainers are stored. The box is provided with an opening(s)corresponding to the recess(es) of the containers stored in the box.

According to the present invention, when the cartridge for photographicprocessing agents is prepared by housing the plural containers in thebox, the recess formed in at least one of containers is aligned with theopening in the box. In order to prevent the cartridge for photographicprocessing agents from being erroneously loaded into the automaticphoto-processor, it is confirmed whether or not the recess of thecontainer or opening of the box can be engaged with the guide protrusionarranged in the cartridge loading chamber of the automaticphoto-processor. According to the present invention, a large number ofpatterns toward prevention of erroneous loading can be easily preparedby providing different in number and location of openings with thestorage box, corresponding to the number and arrangement of recesses inthe containers.

In the cartridge for photographic processing agents according to thepresent invention, the holding member can be a tie binding the pluralcontainers together.

According to the present invention, the cartridge for photographicprocessing agents can be prepared by fastening or wrapping the pluralcontainers, for example, with tapes or a film material. The bindingmaterials, such as tapes or films are advantageous in reducing thecartridge production costs. Plastic binding materials are preferable,because it can be recycled.

In the cartridge for photographic processing agents according to thepresent invention, the container provided with the recess(es) can bestored in the box so as to have the recess in the container directed toa predetermined direction selected from plural directions for housingcontainers in which arrangement direction of recess(es) is differenteach other.

In the cartridge of the present invention, when the container having therecess is stored in the box, it is possible to store the containers inany selected dispositions in the box so as to have the recess in thecontainer directed to a predetermined direction of the box. Thecontainer is stored at one of the plural storage dispositions. Thus, thenumber and arrangement of the recesses can be easily modified at thetime of forming the patterns preventing erroneous loading. For example,it is possible to form a larger recess different from the single recess,by using the plural containers having each recess confronted each other.In this manner, a further variety of patterns towards prevention oferroneous loading can be formed.

In the cartridge for photographic processing agents according to thepresent invention, each of the containers may be of a polygonal bottleshaped or a cylindrical.

In the cartridge of the present invention, when the container is apolygonal bottle shape, the recess can be easily formed on an outer sideface that is a part of the outer surface thereof, and the erroneousloading prevention pattern can be formed using the recess. When thecontainer is a cylindrical shape, the recess can be easily formed on anouter peripheral surface that is a part of the outer surface thereof,and the pattern toward prevention of erroneous loading can be formedusing the recess.

In the cartridge for photographic processing agents according to thepresent invention, the polygonal bottle shaped container may be of atetragonal bottle shape having four outer side faces that are a part ofthe container's outer surface, and the recess is formed on at least oneface of the four outer side faces.

According to the photographic processing agent cartridge of the presentinvention, by making the container to have the tetragonal bottle shape,dead spaces around the containers stored in the box or between eachcontainer and the box can be reduced. By forming one recess in any oneof the four outer side faces of the tetragonal bottle shape container,it is possible to suppress the volume reduction of the container ascompared with the formation of plural recesses. Furthermore, when thecontainer is stored in the box, the orientation of the recess can beselected from the four storage dispositions of container different inthe recess arrangement each other.

In the cartridge for photographic processing agents according to thepresent invention, the plural containers may have the same structure ofcontainer each other.

The plural containers of the same structure made of the same materialand having the same shape, i.e. by using only one kind of container inthe cartridge of the present invention, permit manufacturing control ofthe containers and the cartridge for photographic processing agents tobe effected easily, and the production costs can be reduced.

In the cartridge for photographic processing agents according to thepresent invention, the cartridge comprises at least one container in theshape of a bottle having an elongated body, a bottom, a shoulder, and arelatively narrow neck having a mouth at the terminating end thereof.The container is provided with at least one recess on an outer side faceof the container for preventing the cartridge from erroneously loadingin an automatic photo-processor, and said container is filled with aphotographic processing agent therein. The cartridge is installed in acartridge loading chamber of the automatic photo-processor by turningthe mouth of said container down so as to discharge and supply thephotographic processing agent to the automatic photo-processor. Themouth is sealed by a packing, into which a washing nozzle mounted on theautomatic photo-processor is penetrated, so as to drain the photographicprocessing agent filled in the container to supply said agent with saidautomatic photo-processor when the cartridge is installed in thecartridge loading chamber of the automatic photo-processor. The washingnozzle sprays a washing liquid for washing the inside of the container.The recess is disposed at a position above ⅓ of the height of the outerside face of the container measured from the bottom of the container,and the recess has the maximum depth of ½ or less of the width of thecontainer in the horizontal cross section. The recess may have a curvedsurface in the vertical cross section.

According to the present invention, the container for a photographicprocessing agent, which comprises: a mouth; and a packing by which saidmouth is sealed, in which said container is capable of draining andsupplying a photographic processing agent filled in said container withan automatic photo-processor when said container is installed in saidautomatic photo-processor by turning said mouth of said container downand into said mouth a washing nozzle mounted on said automaticphoto-processor is penetrated through said packing, and an inside ofsaid container is washed by a washing liquid sprayed from said washingnozzle, wherein said container has at least one recess on an outer sideface of said container for preventing said container from erroneouslyloading in said automatic photo-processor, said at least one recessbeing shaped with said outer side face of said container to formpartially a concave portion, and wherein said at least one recess isdisposed at a position above ⅓ of the height of said outer side face ofsaid container measured from a bottom of said container, and said atleast one recess has the maximum depth of ½ or less of the width of saidcontainer in the horizontal cross section.

According to the present invention, the container is filled with thephotographic processing agent and the mouth of the container is closedand sealed by the packing member. When the container is installed in theautomatic photo-processor by directing the mouth of the containerdownward, the packing member is penetrated by the washing nozzle mountedon the automatic photo-processor to drain the photographic processingagent filled in the container for supplying said agent with theautomatic photo-processor. As supplying the photographic processingagent, the inside of the container is washed by the washing liquidsprayed from the washing nozzle so that the photographic processingagent remaining in the container can be used up and the photographicprocessing agent is diluted to a predetermined concentration.

In the photographic processing agent container, at least one recess isprovided on an outer side face of the container for preventing thecontainer from erroneously loading in an automatic photo-processor, therecess being formed by partially deforming the outer side face of thecontainer to form a concave portion as the recess. The recess isdisposed at a position above ⅓ of the height of the outer side face ofthe container measured from the bottom of the container, and the recesshas the maximum depth of ½ or less of the width of the container in thehorizontal cross section.

According to the present invention, the recess for preventing thecontainer and the cartridge from erroneously loading in the automaticphoto-processor is not obstructive to the washing liquid sprayed fromthe washing nozzle at the time of washing the container, thereby topermit the washing liquid to distribute in every nook and corner of thebottom side of the container. The photographic processing agentremaining in the bottom side of the container is rinsed away by thewashing liquid and supplied to the automatic photo-processor. Thus, thewashing performance in the inside of the container is not deterioratedby the recess for preventing the cartridge from erroneously loading inthe automatic photo-processor.

In the photographic processing agent cartridge of the present inventionor in the photographic processing agent container of the presentinvention that can be used in said cartridge, the recess in thecontainer preferably has a curved surface in the vertical cross sectionthereof. The recess having the curved surface in the vertical crosssection permits the mixed liquid of the photographic processing agentand the washing liquid satisfactorily to flow down from the upper part(bottom side) of the recess to the mouth of the container through therecess.

Other and further features and advantages of the invention will appearmore fully from the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge for photographic processingagents looking from the front face side according to a first embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cartridge for photographicprocessing agents looking from the back face side according to the firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the cartridge for photographic processingagents according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the cartridge for photographic processingagents according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the cartridge for photographic processingagents according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the cartridge for photographic processingagents according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a plane view of the cartridge for photographic processingagents according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a container for a photographicprocessing agent looking from the left side of the front face accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the container for a photographicprocessing agent looking from the right side of the front face accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the container for a photographic processingagent according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a right side view of the container for a photographicprocessing agent according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged vertical right side elevation, partially incross-section, illustrating a recess and the vicinity thereof which isformed in the container for a photographic processing agent according tothe first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view, taken horizontally along the line13-13 of FIG. 11, of the recess formed on the container for aphotographic processing agent according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 is a vertical sectional view illustrating a manner for washingthe container for a photographic processing agent according to the firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged vertical right side elevation, partially incross-section, illustrating a modification of the shape of recess formedon the container for a photographic processing agent according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 is a vertical sectional view showing a manner for washing thecontainer for a photographic processing agent shown in FIG. 15 accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an automatic photo-processor to which thecartridge for photographic processing agents is loaded;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a manner of installing thecartridge for photographic processing agents in a cartridge loadingchamber of the automatic photo-processor;

FIG. 19 is a front view of the cartridge loading chamber of theautomatic photo-processor;

FIGS. 20(A) to 20(E) are diagrams illustrating patterns for preventingthe cartridge for photographic processing agents from erroneouslyinstalling in the automatic photo-processor, according to the first tofifth embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 21(A) is a perspective view of the cartridge for photographicprocessing agents looking from the front face side according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21(B) is aperspective view looking from the rear face side thereof;

FIG. 22(A) is a perspective view of the cartridge for photographicprocessing agents looking from the front face side according to thethird embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22(B) is aperspective view looking from the rear face side thereof;

FIG. 23(A) is a perspective view of the cartridge for photographicprocessing agents looking from the front face side according to thefourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 23(B) is aperspective view looking from the rear face side thereof;

FIG. 24(A) is a perspective view of the cartridge for photographicprocessing agents looking from the front face side according to thefifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24(B) is aperspective view looking from the rear face side thereof;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the cartridge for photographicprocessing agents looking from the front face side according to thesixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a conventional cartridge forphotographic processing agents looking from the front face side;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the conventional cartridge forphotographic processing agents looking from the rear face side;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a conventional container for aphotographic processing agent;

FIG. 29 is a front view of the conventional container for a photographicprocessing agent; and

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a body of theconventional container for a photographic processing agent takenhorizontally along the line 230-230 of FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments according to the present invention will be describedbelow, by referring to the attached drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 7 show a cartridge 10 for photographic processing agentsaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8 to13 show a container 12 for a photographic processing agent that can beprovided in the cartridge 10 for photographic processing agents.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the cartridge 10 for photographic processingagents is formed of three containers 12 (12A, 12B and 12C) forphotographic processing agents and a storage box 14. The containers 12are filled with a developing solution, a bleaching solution and a fixingsolution, respectively. The containers 12 are housed in the storage box14 as one set (one package).

Each of the three containers 12 has the same structure and the sameshape and is formed of the same material. In this embodiment, eachcontainer is made of a plastic material, such as PE (HDPE (high densitypolyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene)). Each container isformed in a tetragonal bottle shape through a blow molding method, suchas the direct blow molding method or the injection blow molding method.

In the container 12 for a photographic processing agent, as shown inFIG. 13, the container 12 includes a bottom 20 (outer face)substantially square in shape having four rounded corners and four sideseach having the same length of L1. Each side forming the substantialsquare is slightly curved outward due to the molding. The length L1 ofeach side represents the maximum length including the curved portion andcorresponds to the width of the horizontal cross section of thecontainer 12.

Four outer side faces 22 rise up vertically from the four sides of thebottom 20. The four outer side faces 22 outline a body 24 (outer face)of the container 12. One of the outer side faces 22 is provided with arecess 26 at a position above the middle portion of the vertical lengthof the outer side face (see FIGS. 8 to 12).

The recess 26 is substantially rectangular in shape of long side-ways inthe front view as shown in FIG. 10. The upper and lower horizontallonger sides are substantially vertical to the longer side of the outerside face 22 (the corner of the body 24). In the side view shown in FIG.11 and the vertical cross-section shown in FIG. 12, the recess 26 is ofa curved shape substantially trapezoidal in shape having the roundedcorners. As shown in the horizontal cross-sectional view of FIG. 13, thecorner of each side end of the recess 26 is chamfered at about 45°having slanted faces 27 forming the recess at the outer side face 22.The recess 26 and the slanted face 27 formed continuously from therecess 26 are made by deforming the outer side face 22 partially in theshape of a recess (concave). In this embodiment, each slanted face 27extends over the outer side face 22 defining the recess 26 and theadjacent outer side faces 22 (see FIG. 11). The recess as a whole rangesover three outer side faces 22. It should be noted that the erroneousinstallation of the cartridge is prevented by means of the recess 26 aswill be described later. Thus, one recess is substantially formed in anyone of the four outer side faces in this embodiment.

The container 12 is provided with a quadrangular pyramid shoulder 28formed by narrowing down the upper part of a body 24, and a cylindricalportion 30 protruding upward at the top of the shoulder 28.

The cylindrical portion 30 has vertically extending double necks having:a large diameter cylindrical portion 32 to be axially connected to theshoulder 28 at the lower side thereof; and a small diameter cylindricalportion 34 axially provided at the upper side thereof, the diameter ofwhich is smaller than the large diameter cylindrical portion 32. Thecylindrical portion further includes a round flange 36 having a diameterslightly larger than that of the large diameter cylindrical portion 32disposed coaxially between the large diameter cylindrical portion 32 andthe small diameter cylindrical portion 34. A male screw (not shown) isthreaded on the upper end (the front tip) of the outer peripheralsurface of the small diameter cylindrical portion 32. A cap 38 and apacking 40 are disposed on the upper end of the small diametercylindrical portion 34 to close a round mouth 37 (round in its planeview) formed at the end of the small diameter cylindrical portion 34 ofthe cylindrical portion 30.

The cap 38 and the packing 40 are formed of a plastic material, such asPE (polyethylene). The cap 38 is cylindrical and a female screw (notshown) is threaded on the inner peripheral surface thereof so that thefemale screw can be screwed to the male screw of the small diametercylindrical portion 34. The cap 38 further includes a stepped portionreduced in diameter in a predetermined value around the upper fringe ofthe inner peripheral surface of the cap 38. As for the packing 40, thepacking is a circular seal having a diameter enough to close the mouth37 of the cylindrical portion 30. In the closing state of the containershown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the packing 40 includes a vulnerable portionformed of four grooves 44 extending radially from the center to theouter fringe on an unblocked face (surface) 42 exposed from the openingof the cap 38.

Preferable size dimensions of the container 12 for a photographicprocessing agent according to this embodiment of the present inventionare as follows (see FIG. 10).

The height Hi of the container 12, namely the dimension between theouter bottom face of the bottom 20 and the upper face of the cap 38, isabout 306 mm. However, this height H1 is variable somewhat due to, forexample, the accuracy of the thickness of the packing 40 or thefastening strength of the cap 38. The height H2 between the outer bottomface of the bottom 20 of the container 12 and the front end of the mouth37 is about 301 mm. The height H3 between the outer bottom face of thebottom 20 of the container 12 and the upper face of the flange 36 isabout 263 mm. The height H4 of the outer side face 22 between the outerbottom face of the bottom 20 of the container 12 and the upper end ofthe body 24, namely, the boundary between the body 24 and the shoulder28, is about 250 mm. The width L1 of the container 12 is about 78 mm.

Referring to the recess 26, the height H5 between the outer bottom faceof the bottom 20 of the container 12 and the lower edge of the recess 26is about 145 mm. The height H6 of the recess 26 is about 40 mm. Thedepth D1 of the recess 26 is about 10 mm. The volume of the recess 26corresponds to about 30 mL.

The average wall thickness of the body 24 and the recess 26 of thecontainer 12 is about 0.3 to 0.7 mm.

The volume (capacity) of the body 24 of the container 12 excluding therecess 26 is about 1521 mL (about 250 mm×about 78 mm×about 78 mm), ifthe reduction in volume resulted from the wall thickness, the roundedcorner at the boundary between the bottom 20 and the body 24, the recessin the middle of the bottom 20, the four rounded corners in horizontalcross section of the body 24, and the curved portion of the outer sideface 22, is ignored. The substantial volume of the body 24 of thecontainer 12 including the recess 26 is about 1491 mL (about 1521mL−about 30 mL). Accordingly, the recess 26 occupies about 2% of thevolume (capacity) of the body 24 of the container 12 {(about 30 mL/about1521 mL)×100}.

In the container 12 for a photographic processing agent of thisembodiment, the boundary between the body 24 and the shoulder 28 iscurved to maintain the mechanical strength of the container 12. Theboundary between the body 24 and the recess 26 is slightly curvedthrough molding. Thus, as shown in FIG. 12, the virtual boundary pointP1 at which the line vertically extending from the outer side face 22 ofthe body 24 intersects the line extending from the surface of theshoulder 28 is used to define the boundary between the body 24 and theshoulder 28 representing the above height H4. The inflection point P2between the outer side face 22 (even face) of the body 24 and the curvedsurface of the edge of the recess 26 in the vertical cross section isused to define the boundary between the body 24 and the recess 26representing the heights H5 and H6. It should be noted that the recess26 according to this embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.12 has a flat bottom surface. Accordingly, the depth between the outerside face 22 of the container 12 and the outer bottom face of the recess26 becomes the maximum depth of the recess 26.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the recess 26 is preferablydisposed at the position above ⅓ of the height of the outer side face 22of the container 12 (H5 (about 145 mm)>⅓ H4 (about 83.3 mm)), and, themaximum depth is ½ or less of the width of the container 12 in thehorizontal cross section (D1 (about 10 mm ≦½ L1 (about 39 mm)).Supposing that the depth of the slanted face 27 to the bottom surface ofthe recess 26 is defined by D2, the overall depth of the recess 26including the slanted face 27 (depth of D1+depth D2 in FIG. 12) is ½ orless of the width of the horizontal cross section of the container 12(D1+D2 ≦½ L1).

According to this embodiment of the present invention, the container 12has the structure as explained above, and is filled with a predeterminedamount of the photographic processing agent leaving the mouth 37 of thecylindrical portion 30 open. Then, the packing 40 is placed on the mouth37, and the cap 38 is screwed to the front end of the cylindricalportion 30. The packing 40 clutching into the cap 38 is pressed andfixed against the mouth 37 by the stepped portion of the cap 38, andthen the mouth 37 is sealed. In this manner, the container 12 filledwith a photographic processing agent is prepared.

The storage box 14 for the containers 12 is made of a corrugated paper.As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the storage box 14 containing the containers12 has a rectangular solid shape.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the storage box 14 is provided with a box body50, an inner lid 54, and an outer lid 56. The body 50 has an upper facehaving a rectangular opening and an empty space for putting thecontainers 12 into the inside of the box 14. The opening 52 of the body50 is closed with both the inner lid 54 and the outer lid 56.

As shown in FIG. 7, the opening 52 of the box 50 has the shorter sidelength L2 substantially equal to the length L1 of the container 12, andthe longer side length L3 substantially three times longer than thelength L1. As shown in FIG. 5, the depth (height) H7 of the empty spaceof the body 50 is slightly larger than the height H3 of the container 12(see FIG. 10, i.e. the height from the bottom 20 of the container 12 tothe upper face of the flange 36). In addition, the box 50 is providedwith plural openings to be described in detail later.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the inner lid 54 is connected to the upperedge 60 of the back face 58 of the box 50. The inner lid 54 isrectangular in shape and is slightly smaller than the opening 52 of thebody 50. A fold line is provided on the upper edge 60 acting as aconnecting portion of the box body 50. The inner lid 54 can be folded inthe directions either to open or close the opening 52 of the box body 50along the fold line. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner lid 52 hasthree circular holes 62 longitudinally arranged at predeterminedintervals along the lid. The diameter of each hole 62 is slightly largerthan the diameter of the cap 38 for the container 12 in the portionhaving the largest diameter, and the center of each hole is offset in apredetermined distance toward the front end of the inner lid 54.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the outer lid 56 is connected to the upperedge 66 of the front face 64 of the box body 50. The outer lid 56 isformed of a rectangular cover 68 connected to the upper edge 66 andhaving the size approximately equal to the opening 52 of the box body50, and a flap 70 provided at the front end of the cover 68. A fold lineis provided on the upper edge 66 acting as a connecting portion of thebox body 50. The outer lid 56 can be folded in the directions either toopen or close the opening 52 of the box 50 along the fold line. Theconnecting portion of the cover 68 and the flap 70 is provided with afold line formed in parallel to the fold line of the upper edge 66 sothat the flap 70 may be folded to the cover 68 along the fold line. Asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover 68 has three circular holes 72arranged longitudinally at predetermined intervals along the cover 68.The diameter of each circular hole 72 is slightly larger than thediameter of the cap 38 in the portion having the maximum diameter and issubstantially the same diameter as the circular hole 62 of the inner lid54. The center of each hole 72 is offset in a predetermined distancetoward the front end of the outer lid 56.

The storage box 14 is fabricated as explained above. When the containers12 are put into the storage box 14, the inner lid 54 and the outer lid56 of the box 50 are spread in open and the containers 12 are insertedvertically into the box 50 through the opening 52 from the bottom 20side of the container, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11. When all of threecontainers 12 are inserted into the box 50, the containers 12 are linedin row in such a manner that outer side faces 22 of adjacent containersare in contact with each other and the other outer side faces 22 thereofare in contact with the inner faces of the box 50. Accordingly, there islittle waste space created around the containers 12 and also betweeneach container 12 and the box 50, and any involuntary lateral, forward,and backward movements of the containers 12 in the box 50 can beprevented.

In the state of holding the containers in the box, the cap 38 and thesmall diameter cylindrical portion 34 of the cylindrical portion 30 ofeach container 12 protrude upward from the opening 52 on the upper faceof the box 50. Then, the inner lid 54 and the outer lid 56 are foldedalternately toward the opening 52.

First, when the inner lid 54 is folded, the cap 38 and the smalldiameter cylindrical portion 34 of each container 12 pass through thecorresponding circular hole 62. At the position where the inner lid 54is folded substantially perpendicularly to the back face 58 of the box50, the edge of the rear face of each circular hole 62 substantiallycontacts to the flange 36 as shown in FIG. 1. Then, when the outer lid56 is folded, the cap 38 and the small diameter cylindrical portion 34of each container 12 pass through the corresponding circular hole 72. Atthe position where the outer lid 56 is folded substantiallyperpendicularly to the front face 64 of the box 50, the edge of the rearface of each circular hole 72 substantially contacts to the flange 36while the lid 68 is overlapped with the inner lid 54, as shown in FIG.1.

Last, the flap (fixing portion) 70 of the outer lid 56 is foldeddownward at substantially the right angle with respect to the lid 68 andis bonded and fixed to the rear face 58 of the box 50 in contact via theface. In this state, the opening 52 of the box 50 is closed double byboth the inner lid 54 and the outer lid 56, and the flange 36 is presseddown by the inner lid 54 and the outer lid 56, and the verticalirregular movements of the containers 12 in the box 50 is prevented. Asa result, the cartridge 10 for the photographic processing agentscontaining three containers 12 as one set in row within the storage box14, while exposing the cap 38 and the packing 40 of each container 12 tothe outside, is provided.

The containers 12 can be selectively stored in the box 14 to have therecesses 26 of the containers 12 directed to given directions amongplural different recess dispositions in the box. In this embodiment, thecontainer 12 is turned around the axis thereof at an interval of 90° sothat the recess 26 can be directed selectively in any one of fourdispositions, namely back, front, left and right directions. In thecartridge shown in FIG. 1, the containers 12 are housed in the box 14 tohave each recess 26 of the container 12A disposed on the left side inthe box and the container 12C disposed on the right side in the box,directed leftward, and the recess 26 of the container 12B disposed inthe middle directed rightward. Thus, the recess 26 of the container 12Bconfronts the recess 26 of the container 12C, and these two recesses 26form a vertically-elongated, substantially hexagonal through hole whichpenetrates in the horizontal direction, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

As described in the above, in this embodiment of the present invention,plural openings such as holes or cutouts are formed in the body 50 ofthe storage box 14.

In the box shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, two pairs of circular holes 74 areformed in the front face 64 and the back face 58 of the box 50. In otherwords, four holes are formed on each face and eight holes in total onboth faces. The two pairs of circular holes 74 are formed below thehorizontal center line on each face of the box 50 on the left and rightsides symmetrical to the vertical center line of each face of the box50, respectively. The holes 74 of each pair are spaced vertically at apredetermined interval. Each hole 74 is provided to receive fingertipswhen an operator holds the cartridge 10. The diameter of the hole 74 isabout 18 mm.

The cartridge 10 according to this embodiment is heavy because thecartridge contains three containers 12. Furthermore, the storage box 14is made of a corrugated paper. Thus, the operator or other person has tofirmly hold the storage box 14 of the cartridge 10 so as not to slip thebox 14 of the cartridge 10 out of his hands, if the surface of thestorage box 14 is smooth. For this reason, the plural holes 74 areformed on the left and right sides of the box 50 into which fingertipsof both hands are inserted to hold the storage box 14 firmly andsecurely so as not to slip the cartridge 10 out of the operator's hands.

It should be noted that two vertically-oblong rectangular cutouts 76 areformed on the upper end of the front face 64 of the box 50. The cutouts76 are formed at a predetermined position and asymmetrically in a mannersimilar to the cutouts 212 in the conventional cartridge 200 as shown inFIG. 26.

On the left side face 78, the front face 64, and the rear face 58 of thebox 50, openings 80, 82 and 84 are formed at the positions correspondingto the recesses 26 of the three containers 12 in the box 50,respectively.

More specifically, the cutout opening 80 corresponding to the recess 26in the container 12A is formed on the left side face 78 of the box 50.The opening 80 on the left side face is rectangular and has a heightapproximately equal to that of the recess 26, as shown in FIG. 5. Asshown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a vertically elongated cutout having asubstantially half oval shape is formed on the front face 64 and therear face 58, respectively. The depth of the cutout substantiallycorresponds to the depth of the recess 26. The opening 80 and the recess26 form a first guide portion 86 in the shape of horizontallypenetrating recess on the left side end of the storage box 14 for thecartridge 10.

The vertically-elongated, substantially oval openings 82 and 84corresponding to the recesses 26 of the containers 12B and 12C, whichare disposed to confront each other, are formed on the front and rearfaces 64 and 58 of the box 50, respectively. The openings 82 and 84 havesubstantially the same height and width as the vertically-elongated,substantially hexagonal through hole defined by the confronting tworecesses 26, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The openings 82 and 84 and thetwo recesses 26 combined together form a second guide portion 88 in theshape of horizontally extending through hole on the upper side ofslightly above the center of the horizontal direction of the storage box14 and on the right side slightly deviated from the center of thevertical direction of the storage box 14, as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 17 shows an automatic photo-processor (digital laboratory system)100, to which the above-described cartridge 10 for photographicprocessing agents is installed.

The automatic photo-processor 100 includes an integrated input unit 112and an integrated output unit 118. The input unit 112 includes an imagepickup (CCD scanner) 102, a film carrier 104, a display (color display)106, a controller 108, and an image processor 110. The output unit 118includes a laser printer 114 and a paper processor 116. In the outputunit 118, there is provided a cartridge loading chamber 120 in which thecartridge 10 for photographic processing agents is installed. Thecartridge loading chamber 120 will be described below.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show the cartridge loading chamber 120 according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge loading chamber120 has a cavity 122 having a substantially rectangular front opening. Adoor 124 is attached on the front face of the cavity 122 so as to openand close the cavity 122.

The height of the cavity 122 is larger than the height of the storagebox 14 of the cartridge 10 at a predetermined length, and the width isslightly larger than that of the storage box 14, and the depth isslightly larger than the thickness of the storage box 14.

In the cartridge loading chamber 120, there are formed three insertionholes 128 horizontally arranged at a predetermined interval on a bottomwall 126 of the cavity 122. The cartridge 10 is loaded in the cartridgeloading chamber to have each mouth 37 including cap 38 and the packing40 of the containers 12A, 12B and 12C inserted into the insertion holes128. A washing nozzle 130 having a conical tip is coaxially disposed inthe inside of each insertion hole 128. The washing nozzle 130 is tospray conically and upward a cleaning liquid out of an orifice at theend of the washing nozzle, thus it is a spraying nozzle. The washingnozzle is vertically movable in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 19by a drive mechanism (not shown). The cleaning liquid is supplied toeach washing nozzle 130 by a pump (not shown) mounted in the automaticphoto-processor 100 through conduits.

In the automatic photo-processor 100 according to this embodiment of thepresent invention, the spray pressure of the cleaning liquid is fromabout 0.137 to about 0.157 MPa, the spray volume is from 18 to 22mL/sec., the spray time is from 30 to 60 sec., and the spray angle θ isfrom 30 to 60°. The cleaning liquid is water or a chemical(s). It shouldbe noted that the spray time is variable depending upon the liquidvolume to be applied and the concentration of the photographicprocessing agents. As for the spray angle, if the spray angle is lessthan 30°, then the jet stream of the cleaning liquid is liable toconverge on upwards not to impinge directly on the inner side faces ofthe container 12, which results in deteriorating the washing or cleaningcapability. On the other hand, if the spray angle is more than 60°, asthe center of the jet stream becomes thin, the jet stream does notimpinge directly on the inner bottom face of the container 12 as well,which results in deteriorating the washing capability.

In an innermost wall 132 of the cavity 122, there are formed fourprotrusions corresponding to the two cutouts 76, the first guide hole86, and the second guide hole 88 in the cartridge 10, respectively.

Among the four protrusions, two protrusions 134 correspond to the twocutouts 76 and are disposed at a predetermined position of the lower endof the innermost wall 132, respectively. A first guide protrusion 136corresponds to the first guide opening 86 and is disposed slightly belowfrom the center of the horizontal direction of the wall 132 and on theleft side of the wall 132. A second guide protrusion 138 corresponds tothe second guide opening 88 and is disposed at the same height as thefirst guide protrusion 136 and on the right side slightly deviated fromthe center of the vertical direction of the wall.

The cartridge loading chamber 120 has the structure as explained above.The method of loading the cartridge 10 for photographic processingagents into the cartridge loading chamber 120 in the automaticphoto-processor 100 will be described below.

In order to install the cartridge 10 in the automatic photo-processor100, an operator opens the door 124 of the cartridge loading chamber 120as shown in FIG. 18, and then installs the cartridge 10 in the cartridgeloading chamber 120 making the storage box 14 upside down and directingthe front face 64 side of the box 14 to the cavity 122.

In this installing, first, the caps 38 of the containers 12A, 12B and12C are inserted into the holes 128, respectively, while the cartridge10 is slanted forward slightly. The insertion of the caps 38 into theholes 128 makes it possible for the cutouts 76 of the cartridge 10 to bein alignment with and engaged with the protrusion 134, to permit furtherinsertion of the cartridge. When the cap 38 is inserted further and theouter lid 56 of the box 14 contacts to the bottom wall 126 of the cavity122, the insertion operation is completed, and then the cartridge 10 ispushed into the cavity 122.

In this pushing operation, the first guide hole 86 and the second guidehole 88 of the cartridge 10 are also aligned and engaged with the firstguide protrusion 136 and the second guide protrusion 138, respectively,to permit the cartridge 10 to push further into the cavity. When thecartridge 10 is pushed further into the cavity 122 and the front face 64of the box 14 contacts to the innermost wall 132 of the cavity 122, theloading operation of the cartridge 10 is completed.

In this loading operation, the operator can confirm that the cartridge10 is a proper cartridge for the automatic photo-processor 100, byknowing that the cartridge 10 can be loaded properly by engaging thefirst guide hole 86 and the second guide hole 88 with the first guideprotrusion 136 and the second guide protrusion 138, respectively. If acartridge having guide holes corresponding to the first guide hole 86and the second guide hole 88 which are different in number andarrangement, is tried to be loaded to the automatic photo-processor 100,the guide holes cannot be engaged with the first and second guideprotrusions 136 and 138. Therefore, the cartridge cannot be loaded tothe automatic photo-processor 100. As a result, the operator can knowthat such a cartridge that is impossible to be installed is not properfor the automatic photo-processor 100.

When the operator conducts a predetermined operation to start supplyingphotographic processing agents after the completion of loading of thecartridge 10, the washing nozzles 130 elevate and push against thepackings 40 on the containers 12A, 12B and 12C. Then, the four grooves44 formed in the packings 40 begin to tear up at the center thereof. Asthe washing nozzles 130 rise up further, the break expands to open eachof the containers 12A, 12B and 12C, and the photographic processingagents in each container are discharged and supplied to the automaticphoto-processor 100.

Subsequently, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the cleaning nozzles 130spray a washing water (W) from the tip orifice through an automaticliquid adjusting device so as to clean the insides of the containers 12,e.g. 12A, 12B and 12C, respectively. In this operation, the photographicprocessing agents remaining in each container are effectively drainedout and supplied to the automatic developer 100 without a waste, and thephotographic processing agents in each container of the above containersare mixed with the washing water and diluted to a desired concentration.

As explained above, the container 12 is provided with the concave recess26 having the outer side face of the container partially deformed, inorder to prevent the container 12 from loading erroneously in theautomatic photo-processor 100. The recess 26 is disposed at the upperportion of ⅓ of the height of the outer side face 22 of the container12, and the maximum depth is ½ or less of the width in the horizontalcross section of the container 12. Thus, when washing the washing liquidW sprayed from the washing nozzles 130 are permitted to be distributedto every nook and corner of the bottom 20 side of the container 12 onthe opposite side of the mouth 37, without being interrupted by therecess 26. The photographic processing agents remaining in the bottom 20side is effectively washed away by the washing liquid W.

In the cartridge system where the cartridge 10 holding a set of threecontainers 12A, 12B and 12C is used, the operator can supply at a timethree kinds of photographic processing agents (including a developingsolution, a bleaching solution and a fixing solution) to the automaticphoto-processor 100, without contacting the containers and thephotographic processing agents. This enables the operator to load thecartridge effectively in simple manner and clean condition.

As explained in the above, in the container 12 according to thisembodiment, it is possible to avoid deterioration of washing capabilityin the inside of the container 12 without being interrupted by theprovision of the recess 26 for prevention of erroneous loading of thecontainer 12 to the automatic photo-processor 100.

In addition, in this embodiment, the vertical cross section of therecess 26 is substantially trapezoidal in shape having the roundedcorners and curved surface. This makes it possible for recess 26 toimprove the performance of washing-away with the mixed liquid of thephotoprocessing agents and the washing liquid flowing down from thebottom (upside down as top) to the mouth of the container 12 via therecess 26 along the inner wall of the container 12, as shown by thearrow B in FIG. 14, when the inside of the container 12 is washed.

FIG. 15 is an example of modification of the shape of the recess formedon the container 12 in the first embodiment explained above. Theexplanation will be omitted by affixing the same reference numerals tothe same elements as those described in the first embodiment.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the container is provided with arecess 90 which is formed at the same position on the outer side face 22of the container 12 as the recess 26 in the first embodiment.

The vertical cross section of the recess 90 has a curved circular arcface having a predetermined radius (R) of curvature. The horizontalcross section of the recess 90 is substantially identical with that ofthe recess 26 in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13.

The depth D3 of the recess 90 is approximately 10 mm which is the sameas the depth of the recess 26 in the first embodiment. The depth fromthe outer side face 22 of the container 12 to the center of the recess90 is the deepest, because the recess 90 has the curved circular arcface.

The recess 90 having the curved circular arc face in the vertical crosssection improves the performance of washing-away with the mixed liquidof the photoprocessing agents and the washing liquid flowing down on therecess 90, as shown by the arrow C in FIG. 16, when the inside of thecontainer 12 is washed.

In the same manner as the recess 26 of the first embodiment, the recess90 is disposed at the upper portion of ⅓ of the overall height of theouter side face 22 of the container 12, and the maximum depth is ½ orless of the width of the horizontal cross section of the container 12 soas to improve the washing capability in the container 12.

According to the cartridge 10 of the present invention, it is possibleto prepare a large number of combination of the number and arrangementof guide portions, i.e. loading patterns for preventing the erroneousloading of the cartridge (10), for example, easily by changing thenumber of openings and the arrangement of the openings formed on the box14, as well as the disposition direction of the containers 12A, 12B, and12C in the box 14. Some examples of other patterns towards prevention oferroneous loading will be described below according to the second tofifth embodiments of the present invention.

The second to fifth embodiments show patterns towards prevention oferroneous loading, different from the first embodiment pattern. In thesecond to fifth embodiments, the number and arrangement of the guideportions are changed from the first embodiment. The explanation of theseembodiments will be omitted by affixing the same reference numeral tothe similar elements as those described in the first embodiment.

FIGS. 20(A) to 20(E) show the relationship between the disposition ofthe containers 12A, 12B and 12C in the cartridge for photographicprocessing agents and the number and arrangement of openings formed onthe storage box 14 according to the first to fifth embodiments of thepresent invention. FIGS. 21(A) to 24(B) show the cartridges forphotographic processing agents according to the second to fifthembodiments of the present invention.

In the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 20(A), as explained in theabove, the containers 12A, 12B and 12C are each housed in the box 14directing the recesses 26 of the containers 12A and 12C leftward and therecess 26 of the container 12B rightward. In this mode of housing, theopening 80 corresponding to the recess 26 of the container 12A is formedon the left side face 78 of the body 50 of the storage box 14, and theopenings 82 and 84 corresponding to the recesses 26 of the containers12B and 12C are formed on the front face 64 and the back face 58 of thestorage box 14, respectively.

In this manner, a first pattern towards prevention of erroneous loadingformed of the first guide portion 86 and the second guide portion 88 isarranged in the cartridge 10 according to the first embodiment. Thefirst guide portion 86 is formed of each recess 26 of the container 12Aand 12C and the openings 80 and 82. The second guide portion 88 isformed of the recess 26 of the container 12C and the opening 84.

In the second embodiment as shown in FIG. 20(B) and FIGS. 21(A) and21(B), the containers 12 are housed in the box 14 to have the recess 26of the container 12A directed leftward, the recess 26 of the container12B directed forward and the recess 26 of the container 12C directed.rightward. In this mode of housing, in the body 50 of the storage box14, the opening 84 is formed on the left side face 78 similar to thefirst embodiment, and the opening 140 corresponding to the recess 26 ofthe container 12C is formed on the right side face 90.

In this manner, a second pattern towards prevention of erroneous loadingis formed on the cartridge 150 for photographic processing agentsaccording to the second embodiment. The second pattern towardsprevention of erroneous loading is formed of the first guide portion 86identical to that in the first embodiment, and the third guide portion152 formed of the recess 26 of the container 12C and the opening 140. Inthe second embodiment, the container 12B is not necessarily housed inthe storage box 14 in the disposition as explained above, because thestorage box 14 does not have the opening corresponding to the recess 26of the container 12B.

In the third embodiment as shown in FIG. 20(C) and FIGS. 22(A) and22(B), the containers 12 are housed in the box 14 to have each recess 26of all of the containers 12A, 12B and 12C directed leftward. In thisstorage mode, the body 50 of the storage box 14 has the opening 84formed on the left side face 78 similar to the first embodiment; theopenings 142 and 144 corresponding to the respective recesses 26 of thecontainer 12B and 12C are formed on the front face 64; and the openings143 and 145 corresponding to the respective recesses 26 of thecontainers 12B and 12C are formed on the back face 58.

In this manner, a third pattern towards prevention of erroneous loadingis formed on the cartridge 160 of the third embodiment. The thirdpattern towards prevention of erroneous loading is formed of the firstguide portion 86 identical to that in the first embodiment, the fourthguide portion 162, and the fifth guide portion 164. The fourth guideportion 162 is formed of the recess 26 of the container 12B and theopenings 142 and 143. The fifth guide portion 164 is formed of therecess 26 of the container 12C and the openings 144 and 145.

In the fourth embodiment as shown in FIG. 20(D) and FIGS. 23(A) and23(B), the containers 12 are housed in the box 14 to have the recess 26of the container 12A directed leftward and the each recess 26 of thecontainers 12B and 12C directed rightward. In this storage mode, thebody 50 of the storage box 14 has the openings 84, 140, 146 and 147. Theopening 84 is formed on the left side face 78. The opening 140 is formedon the right side face 90 in a manner similar to that of the secondembodiment. The opening 146 corresponding to the recess 26 of thecontainer 12B is formed on the front face 64. The opening 147corresponding to the recess 26 of the containers 12B is formed on theback face 58.

Thus, the fourth pattern towards prevention of erroneous loading isformed on the cartridge 170 of the fourth embodiment. The fourth patterntowards prevention of erroneous loading is formed of the first guideportion 86, the third guide portion 152, and the sixth guide portion172. The first guide portion 86 is similar to that in the firstembodiment. The third guide portion 152 is similar to that in the secondembodiment. The sixth guide portion 172 is formed of the recess 26 ofthe container 12B and the openings 146 and 147.

In the fifth embodiment as shown in FIG. 20(E) and FIGS. 24(A) and24(B), the containers are housed in the box 14 to have the containers12A, 12B and 12C directed in a manner similar to that in the secondembodiment. In this housing mode, the body 50 of the box 14 has theopenings 84, 140 and 148. The opening 84 is formed on the left side face78. The opening 140 is formed on the right side face 90. The opening 148corresponding to the recess 26 of the container 12B is formed on theback face 58.

In this manner, a fifth pattern towards prevention of erroneous loadingis formed on the cartridge 180 for photographic processing agentsaccording to the fifth embodiment. The fifth erroneous loadingprevention pattern is formed of the first guide portion 86 identical tothat in the first embodiment, the third guide portion 152 identical tothat in the second embodiment, and the seventh guide portion 182 formedof the recess 26 of the container 12B and the opening 148.

According to the first to fifth embodiments, five kinds of patternstowards prevention of the erroneous loading can be formed. In addition,a large number of patterns towards prevention of erroneous loading canbe simply formed, by changing the housing disposition of the containers12A, 12B and 12C, respectively. For example, if three containers 12A,12B and 12C are the same shape, 64 kinds of patterns towards preventionof the erroneous loading can be formed at the maximum. The guideprotrusions corresponding to the pattern for preventing erroneousloading of the cartridge are formed in the cartridge loading chamber ofthe automatic photo-processor. When the cartridge is loaded to theautomatic photo-processor, the operator can know the proper loadingstate of the cartridge, based on whether or not the guide portion andthe guide protrusion are properly engaged.

As described above, in the cartridge 10 for photographic processingagents according to the embodiments, plural (e.g. three) containers 12,each of which is filled with a different kind of photographic processingagents, are held in the storage box 14. In the cartridge 10, therecesses 26 formed by locally deforming the outer side faces 22 of thecontainers 12 are aligned to the openings 80, 82, and 84 formed in thestorage box 14, respectively. The cartridge 10 is loaded in theautomatic photo-processor 100, by confirming whether or not the firstguide portion 86 formed of the recess 26 and the opening 80 is properlyengaged with the first guide protrusion 136 provided in the cartridgeloading chamber 120 of the automatic photo-processor 100 and alsowhether or not the second guide portion 88 formed of the recess 26 andthe openings 82 and 84 is properly engaged with the second guideprotrusion 138 provided in the cartridge loading chamber 120 of theautomatic photo-processor 100. In this manner, the erroneous loading ofthe cartridges 10 to the automatic photo-processor 100 can be prevented.

In order to change the number and the arrangement of recesses or guideportions to be formed on the cartridge 10, the containers 12 are housedin the storage box 14 to have each recess 26 of the containers 12directed to a predetermined direction, and the openings (e.g. openings80, 82, 84, 140, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, and 148) different innumber and arrangement corresponding to the each recess are formed inthe storage box 14. In this manner, a larger number of loading patternsfor preventing the cartridge 10 from being erroneously loaded to theautomatic photo-processor 100 can be simply formed on the cartridge 10.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, the containers 12can be stored in the storage box 14 in such a manner that thedisposition of the recess 26 of each container can be selected from anyone of plural (e.g. four) dispositions. This facilitates to prepare thepatterns towards prevention of erroneous loading to be adapted to therecesses 26 different in number and arrangement. When the two recesses26 of the containers 12 faces each other, a recess different from andlarger than a single recess 26 in shape can be formed. This allowspreparing a larger number of patterns towards the prevention oferroneous loading.

In these embodiments of the present invention, it is possible for thetetragonal bottle shaped container to reduce the waste spaces formedaround containers 12 in the box 14 and also between the containers 12and the box 14. Furthermore, a single recess (26) is formed on any oneof the four outer side faces 22 of the container 12. Therefore, thecontainers 12 can be stored into the box 14 so as to select any of fourdispositions of the recess 26 of each container, while reduction in thevolume of each container is suppressed as compared with the container onwhich plural recesses are formed.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, three containers12 used in the cartridge have the same shape. Namely, one kind of thecontainer 12 made of the same material having the same shape is used inthe cartridge of the present invention. Accordingly, the productioncontrol of the containers 12 and cartridges 10 can be effected easily,and the production costs can be suppressed.

FIG. 25 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention in which atape (binding member) is used as the holding member of a set of threecontainers 12 in the first embodiment. The explanation will be omittedby affixing the same reference numerals to the same elements as those inthe first embodiment.

In the cartridge 190 for photographic processing agents according to thesixth embodiment as shown in FIG. 25, three containers 12A, 12B and 12Care bundled together with three tapes 192. Each recess 26 of thecontainers 12A, 12B and 12C are oriented in a manner similar to that inthe first embodiment. Outer side faces 22 are in contact with each otherand the containers 12A, 12B and 12C are arranged in row. Using the threetapes 192, the containers 12A, 12B and 12C are bundled at the upper andlower portions of the bodies 24 and at the middle portions of the bodies24 slightly below the recesses 26 thereof. Thus, each recess 26 of thecontainers 12A, 12B and 12C is exposed without being covered with thetape 192.

The tape 192 is made of a thermoplastic material. When the containers12A, 12B and 12C are bundled, a predetermined length of the tape 192 iswound around the bodies 24 of the containers 12A, 12B and 12C under apredetermined tension, and the both ends of the tape 192 are overlappedand thermally welded.

In the cartridge 190 according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention, three containers 12A, 12B and 12C are bundled as one set withthree tapes 192. The recesses 26 are exposed without being covered withthe tape 192, and a pattern towards the prevention of erroneous loadingis formed similar to that in the cartridge 10 of the first embodiment.Similarly to those mentioned above, in the cartridge 190, by rotatingeach of the containers 12A, 12B and 12C around its axis at the intervalsof 90°, the arrangement of the recesses 26 can be changed so that alarge number of patterns towards prevention of erroneous loading can beeasily formed. Moreover, the use of the tape 192 suppresses theproduction costs of the cartridge 190. If a plastic tape is used, theplastic tape 192 can be recycled, which is preferable.

Based on the above first to sixth embodiments, the present invention isdescribed in detail. However, the present invention should not belimited only to the above embodiments. Other various embodiments may beattained within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiments, plural (e.g. three) containershaving the same shape are used, but the present invention is not limitedparticularly to those. For example, various kinds of the containershaving or not having the recess, the number and arrangement of which isdifferent from the previous embodiments, may be combined together. Inthis regard, the container may have two or more recesses, but notlimited only to one recess. When two or more recesses are formed in onecontainer, such as polyhedron (e.g. rectangular) bottle shapedcontainer, the plural recesses may be formed in the same outer side faceor in plural outer side faces thereof. The containers are not limited torectangular in shape, and may be another polygonal-bottle or cylindricalin shape. When the recesses are formed on polygonal bottle shapedcontainers, the plural recesses may be formed in the same outer sideface or in plural outer side faces thereof. The recess may be formed onthe bottom (bottom face) of the container, as well as the rectangularouter side face or the cylindrical outer peripheral face. The shape andsize of the recess is not particularly limited, as far as the guideprotrusions provided in the automatic photo-processor are engageable.However, if the recess is larger, the overall size of the containerbecomes bigger in order to keep the required volume of the container.Thus, it is preferable that the recess is as small as possible takingthe size and shape of the container into consideration, within the rangein which the guide protrusion is engageable. Two, four or morecontainers may be set in the cartridge, as well as the above threecontainers.

In the embodiments explained above, the four grooves 44 formed on thepacking 40 for closing the mouth 37 of the container 12 extend radiallyto form curved lines, but the present invention is not limited to this.For example, the packing may have four grooves extending radially andstraight to make a cross, or may have a single straight groove to make astraight line.

The storage box (casing member) may be, for example, a plastic box, butnot limited to the corrugated paper box as explained above. The cutouts212 used for preventing the conventional container from erroneouslyloading are left in the above-described storage box 14, but they may beremoved. The presence or absence of the cutout 212 and the cutouts 212different in number and arrangement may be combined to form the patterntowards prevention of erroneous loading of the present invention. As aresult, a larger number of patterns towards prevention of erroneousloading may be prepared.

The holding member for a set of plural containers is not limited to acase, such as a box for storing plural containers or to a tie such as atape for bundling plural containers. For example, the fastening membersuch as a film material for wrapping plural containers may be used.

The shape and the size of the recess is not limited particularly tothose explained in the embodiments described above, if the guideprotrusion formed in the automatic photo-processor is engageable withthe recess and the recess has the depth not to damage the washingcapability in the container. However, due to variance in the dimensionalprecision of the nozzle orifice of the washing nozzle 130, and tovariance in the pump performance, or the like, the spray condition ofthe washing liquid W may changes somewhat. For example, the washingliquid spray pressure decreases or the washing liquid spray angleincreases. If the recess is formed extending over the shoulder adjacentto the body (outer side face) of the container, the upper portion of therecess becomes a void or opened. In this state, the rigidity of thevicinity of the shoulder cannot be maintained to the necessarymechanical strength, and the container may be liable to be deformed.

Accordingly, taking the above into consideration, the position (H5) ofthe lower end of the recess is generally above more than ⅓ of the height(H4) of the outer side face of the container measured from the bottomline L1, and preferably above more than ½ of H4 measured from the bottomL1. More preferably, the position (H5) of the lower end of the recess isabove more than ⅔ of H4 measured from the bottom line L1 but below therange within 5 mm in vertical (height) direction from the upper end ofthe outer side face. When the lower end of the recess is disposed at aposition above more than ⅓ of the height of the outer side face of thecontainer measured from the bottom line (e.g. about 83 mm in the case ofthe container 12), it can be avoided to deteriorate the washingcapability in the inside of the container in the normal spraying of awashing liquid. Moreover, when the lower end of the recess is disposedat a position above more than ½ of the height of the outer side face ofthe container measured from the bottom line (e.g. about 125 mm in thecase of the container 12), it can be avoided to deteriorate the washingcapability in the inside of the container even if the spraying state ofthe washing liquid varies somewhat. Moreover, when the lower end of therecess is disposed at a position above more than ⅔ of the height of theouter side face of the container measured from the bottom line (e.g.about 167 mm in the case of the container 12) and below the range within5 mm in the vertical direction from the upper end of the outer side face(e.g. about 245 mm in the case the container 12), it can be avoided mostsatisfactorily to deteriorate the washing capability in the inside ofthe container even if the spraying state of the washing liquid variessomewhat and the rigidity of the vicinity of the shoulder of thecontainer can be maintained to the required mechanical strength.

The largest depth (D1) of the recess is ½ or less, preferably ¼ or lessof the thickness (L1) of the container. More preferably, the depth (D1)is ⅙ or less of the thickness (L1). When the largest depth of the recessis ½ or less of L1 (e.g. about 39 mm in the case of the container 12),it can be avoided to deteriorate the washing capability in the inside ofthe container in the normal spraying of the washing liquid. When thelargest depth of the recess is ¼ or less of L1 (e.g. about 20 mm in thecase of the container 12), it can be avoided to deteriorate the washingcapability in the inside of the container even if the spraying state ofthe washing liquid varies somewhat. When the largest depth of the recessis ⅙ or less of L1 (e.g. about 13 mm in the case of the container 12),it can be best avoided to deteriorate the washing capability in theinside of the container even if the spraying state of the washing liquidvaries somewhat, and it can also be avoided to increase in size with thecontainer.

The height (H6) of the recess is 10 mm or more and less then a valueobtained by subtracting 5 mm from ⅔ of the height of the outer side faceof the container. Preferably, the height (H6) ranges from 20 mm to 100mm. When the recess has a height of 10 mm or more, it can be engagedwith the protrusion for prevention of the erroneous loading of thecontainers. When the height of the recess is less than a value obtainedby subtracting 5 mm from ⅔ of the height of the outer side face of thecontainer (e.g. about 162 mm in the case of the container 12), theregion of 5 mm in the height direction not having the recess can bereserved at the upper end of the outer side face, thus the rigidity ofthe area around the shoulder of the container can be maintained to therequired mechanical strength. When the height of the recess is 20 mm ormore, the protrusion for prevention of the erroneous loading of thecontainer can be increased in size, resulting in improving mechanicalstrength of the protrusion. When the height of the recess is 100 mm orless, the container can be avoided to increase in size.

The volume of the recess is preferably 30% or less of the volume of thebody of the container, more preferably 10% or less thereof. When thevolume of the recess is at least 30% of the volume of the body of thecontainer, the recess is engageable with the protrusion for preventionof the erroneous loading of the container. When the volume of the recessis 10% or less of the volume of the body of the container, the recess isengageable with the protrusion for prevention of the erroneous loadingof the container while suppressing increasing in size of the container.

The maximum volume (V1) of the recess in the rectangular container canbe calculated using the following formula (1) from the above conditions:Maximum volume (V 1) of a recess={largest height up to the recess(corresponding to ⅔ of height (H 4) of an outer side face (body) of acontainer)}×{largest depth of the recess (corresponding to ½ of onewidth (L 1) of the container)}×{width of the recess (corresponding toanother width (L 1) of the container)}  Formula (1)

The volume (V2) of the body in the rectangular container can becalculated using the following formula (2):Volume (V 2) of the body of the container={height (H 4) of the outerside face (body) of the container}×{one width (L 1) of thecontainer}×{another width (L 1) of the container}  Formula (2)

The ratio (R) of the maximum volume of the recess to the volume of thebody in the rectangular bottle shaped container can be calculated by thefollowing formula (3):Ratio (R)={(Maximum volume (V 1) of the recess)/(Volume (V 2) of thebody of the container)}×100(%)  Formula (3)

Using the formulae (1) to (3), V1, V2 and R of the container 12 arecalculated as shown below. However, the reduction in volume caused, forexample, by the skin thickness, the rounded corner forming the boundarybetween the bottom 20 and the body 24, the recess in the middle of thebottom 20, four rounded corners in horizontal cross section of the body24, and the curved region of the outer side face 22, is ignored.V 1=(about 250 mm×⅔)×(about 78×½)×about 78 mm=about 507 mLV 2=about 250 mm×about 78 mm×about 78 mm=about 1521 mLR=(about 507 mL/about 1521 mL)×100=about 33.3(%)

If the region not having the recess corresponding to a height in therange of 5 mm is retained at the upper end of the outer side face 22 ofthe container 12, the volume of the recess is about 492 mL, which iscalculated from: {(about 250 mm×⅔)−5 mm}×(about 78 mm×½ )×about 78 mm.The ratio of the volume of the recess to the volume of the body 24 ofthe container 12 is about 32.3(%), which is calculated from: (about 492mL/about 1521 mL)×100.

The container for a photographic processing agent of the presentinvention is constructed as explained above. The washing capability inthe inside of the container is not damaged by the provision of therecess designed for prevention of the erroneous loading of the containerto the automatic photo-processor.

Further, according to the photographic processing agent cartridge of thepresent invention constructed as explained above, a larger number ofpatterns towards the prevention of erroneous loading of the cartridge tothe automatic photo-developer can be simply and easily provided.

Having described our invention as related to the present embodiments, itis not our intention that the invention is limited to any of the detailsof the description, unless otherwise specified, but rather is construedbroadly within its spirit and scope as is set out in the accompanyingclaims.

1. A cartridge for photographic processing agents comprising: plural containers each of which is filled with a different kind of photographic processing agent; and a holding member for making a set of said plural containers; said cartridge for photographic processing agents being capable of supplying said different kind of the photographic processing agents to an automatic photo-processor, by being loaded into a cartridge loading chamber mounted on said automatic photo-processor; wherein at least one of said plural containers has at least one recess formed on an outer surface of the container by partially deforming; and wherein said at least one recess is capable of fitting at least one guide protrusion arranged in said cartridge loading chamber.
 2. The cartridge for photographic processing agents as in claim 1, wherein said holding member is a box in which said plural containers are stored, said box having at least one opening corresponding to said at least one recess in said plural containers stored in said box.
 3. The cartridge for photographic processing agents as in claim 2, wherein said container having at least one recess can be stored in said box so as to have said at least one recess disposed to a predetermined direction selected from directions different in recess disposition.
 4. The cartridge for photographic processing agents as in claim 1, wherein said holding member is a tie binding said plural containers together.
 5. The cartridge for photographic processing agents as in claim 1, wherein each of said containers is a polygonal bottle or a cylinder.
 6. The cartridge for photographic processing agents as in claim 5, wherein said polygonal bottle is a tetragonal bottle having four outer side faces that are a part of said outer surface, and wherein said at least one recess is formed on at least one of said four outer side faces.
 7. The cartridge for photographic processing agents as in claim 1, wherein said plural containers have the same structure each other.
 8. A cartridge for photographic processing agents comprising: at least one container in the shape of a bottle having an elongated body, a bottom, a shoulder, and a relatively narrow neck having a mouth at the terminating end thereof, said container having at least one recess on an outer side face of said container for preventing said cartridge from erroneously loading to an automatic photo-processor, and said container being filled with a photographic processing agent therein; wherein said cartridge is capable of discharging and supplying said photographic processing agent to said automatic photo-processor, by being installed in a cartridge loading chamber of said automatic photo-processor by turning said mouth of said container down.
 9. The cartridge for photographic processing agents as in claim 8, wherein said mouth is sealed by a packing into which a washing nozzle mounted on said automatic photo-processor is penetrated so as to discharge and supply said photographic processing agent to said automatic photo-processor when said cartridge is installed in said cartridge loading chamber of said automatic photo-processor.
 10. The cartridge for photographic processing agents as in claim 9, wherein an inside of said container is washed by a washing liquid sprayed from said washing nozzle.
 11. The cartridge for photographic processing agents as in claim 8, wherein said at least one recess is disposed at a position above ⅓ of the height of an outer side face of said container measured from said bottom of said container, and said at least one recess has the maximum depth of ½ or less of the width of said container in the horizontal cross section.
 12. The cartridge for photographic processing agents as in claim 8, wherein said at least one recess has a curved surface in the vertical cross section.
 13. A container for a photographic processing agent, comprising: a mouth; and a packing by which said mouth is sealed, in which said container is capable of discharging and supplying a photographic processing agent filled in said container to an automatic photo-processor when said container is installed in said automatic photo-processor by turning said mouth of said container down and into said mouth a washing nozzle mounted on said automatic photo-processor is penetrated through said packing, and an inside of said container is washed by a washing liquid sprayed from said washing nozzle, wherein said container has at least one recess on an outer side face of said container for preventing said container from erroneously loading in said automatic photo-processor, said at least one recess being shaped on said outer side face of said container to form partially a concave portion, and wherein said at least one recess is disposed at a position above ⅓ of the height of said outer side face of said container measured from a bottom of said container, and said at least one recess has the maximum depth of ½ or less of the width of said container in the horizontal cross section.
 14. The container for a photographic processing agent as in claim 13, wherein said at least one recess has a curved surface in the vertical cross section. 